Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, with reference to the Autumn Statement made by the Chancellor of the Exchequer on 17 November, Official Report, col 849, what plans he has to ensure funding of the forthcoming independently verified plan for the number of doctors, nurses and other professionals.

We have committed to publishing a National Health Service workforce plan in due course. This will include independently verified forecasts for the number of doctors, nurses and other professionals required in future years, taking account of improvements in retention and productivity. The plan is currently being developed by NHS England and is due for completion by the end of 2022/23. The long-term workforce plan will be used to inform how we can meet the needs of patients and the NHS workforce. Funding plans beyond the current Spending Review period will be subject to the outcome of future Spending Reviews.